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154<br />
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />
Regular Freemasonry in Belgium<br />
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium<br />
Rue Royale 265<br />
1030 Brussels<br />
Phone: +32 (0)2-218 46 16<br />
Fax: +32 (0)2-233 16 35<br />
Link, e-mail: rglb@skynet.be<br />
Freemasonry in Belgium consists of a wide range of Masonic obedience’s:<br />
(A) Grand Orient of Belgium, (B) Grand Lodge of Belgium, (C)<br />
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium, and (D) Women’s Grand Lodge of Belgium.<br />
History of the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium:<br />
Disappointed by their experience in the Grand Lodge they had come from, the founders of the new Obedience<br />
wanted to avoid any ambiguity once and for all. The constitution, therefore, defined with great accuracy the<br />
universal Principles of Regularity which the Regular Grand Lodge adhered to.<br />
Their Constitution declared, among other things:<br />
1. Freemasonry affirms the existence of God, a Supreme Being whom it calls the Great Architect of the<br />
Universe. It demands all of its members to acknowledge this affirmation. This requirement is absolute and<br />
admits no compromise or restriction. Freemasonry does not define the Supreme Being and leaves its members<br />
free to form their own opinion of Him.<br />
2. Freemasonry is an initiatic association which, through its symbolic teaching, heightens men spiritually and<br />
morally, and so contributes to improving humanity by practicing the ideals of peace and brotherly love.<br />
3. All Masonic work is done “To the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe” and in the presence of the<br />
Three Great Lights of Freemasonry: the Volume of the Sacred Law under the Square and Compasses, upon<br />
which all obligations must be taken.<br />
This clearly indicates that the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium strictly adheres to traditional Masonic ideals.<br />
Furthermore, it stresses that it is an initiatic association, detached from disputes that divide the outside world.<br />
This implies the express reference to the divinity, the initiatic search on the path of spirituality, the prohibition<br />
of political religious discussions in the Lodge and the prohibition to participate in activities of non-Recognized<br />
Obediences. This may be viewed by some as severe, but it meets principles that are accepted world-wide and<br />
which comply with Masonic tradition.<br />
In view of the initiatic character of their activities, Freemasons of the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium do not<br />
allow visitors who do not accept the Landmarks of Regular Freemasonry. Indeed, these visitors could not<br />
participate in activities which they do not subscribe to. On the other hand, members of the Regular Grand Lodge<br />
do not attend the meetings of non-Recognised Freemasons. This does not mean that these Masons should be<br />
rejected or repudiated. It simply stems from the nature itself of the Royal Art: a Masonic meeting is not just a<br />
gathering of friends. It is an initiatic event. Anyone who can make the distinction between the sacred space in<br />
which the Lodge works, and the exterior, also understands the sense of the dividing line between his (Regular)<br />
Lodge and the outside world. If one wants to enter into relationships with Irregular Freemasons, this should take<br />
place elsewhere than in a Masonic context.<br />
Masonic tradition allows only men to be initiated. This is a strict application of ancient initiatic rules and<br />
customs, older than Masonry itself. Moreover, there are other Masonic organizations open to women and some<br />
exclusively for women. Like other Irregular Obediences, they are worthy of our appreciation.<br />
The Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium has forty-four lodges (2006), divided over the 10 provinces of the<br />
country. It is recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England, Mother Grand Lodge of Freemasonry, and<br />
practically all Regular Grand Lodges worldwide.